The programme funding amounts to 5 million Euros (excluding co-financing) and is funded entirely by the Norway Grants.

Why is the programme needed?

Currently in the Czech Republic – like many other countries – is experiencing challenges related to crime and security. Sophisticated and complex crime structures working across national borders pose a high threat. This generates the need for closer international cooperation. Like a number of other European countries, the Czech Republic is experiencing increased hate crime, cybercrime and campaigns spreading incorrect information and/or fake news through information technologies and social networks.

To prevent crime and to investigate and prosecute perpetrators, advanced investigation methods and highly qualified police staff are needed. To keep up with the international developments there is a need in the Czech Republic to improve conditions for police training – including training on new security threats and new forms of crime. As such the Home Affairs programme aims to support the further development of competence of police staff; support cooperation between various stakeholders in addressing crime; and stimulate bilateral cooperation in areas related to hate crime and the spreading of incorrect information/fake news in the Czech Republic.

What will the programme achieve and who are the beneficiaries?

The Home Affairs programme aims to contribute to improved crime prevention and investigation by the police in the Czech Republic. By developing a new police training-centre in Kuntá Hora; introducing new training programmes consisting of several training modules; and by facilitating networking and information exchange between the police and relevant stakeholders, the programme envisions to have sustainable benefits for society.

The programme aims to implement three new training programmes and train 2400 police officers. A further 200 trainers are expected to be trained, and 900 stakeholders from civil society included in 30 networking meetings to maintain and develop cooperation to effectively address elements related to organized crime. The Czech Home Affairs programme also expects to improve the use of data within the police information systems – which will contribute to data sharing on national and international level.

How will the programme strengthen bilateral relations?

The programme will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Norway. Partnerships between Czech and Norwegian entities will be encouraged at project level through matchmaking events and activities in conjunction with the launch of calls for proposals. These partnerships can result in mutually beneficial activities and long-lasting cooperation between involved partners.

Availability of funding through open calls

In addition to four pre-defined projects, funding in this programme will be made available through two small grant schemes on enhancing national and bilateral cooperation in combating hate crime disinformation and hybrid treats:

Call 1a: measures fostering media literacy in the general public (educational framework) - third quarter 2019.